Chord Suspensions

Suspensions are chords in which the 4th degree of the scale takes the place of the 3rd degree — usually temporarily, but not always. For example, a Csus would look like this:

Fsus would look like this:

Gsus would look like this:

If we had a 7th chord that was suspended, such as G7sus, it would look like this:

So F7sus would look like this:

And C7sus would look like this:

It’s just that easy. Replace the 3rd of the chord with the 4th, and you’ve got it! That’s all there is to it.

Here’s how these same chords look when notated:

Now watch this short video and you’ll remember them forever!

Next time we’ll investigate altered chords. See you then.

Meanwhile, be sure to review all the previous lessons — from major triads to 13ths.

If you play at church, or want to, check out the great “Praise & Gospel” course!